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sconce1

Pronunciation: /skɒns/

Definition of sconce

noun

a candle holder that is attached to a wall with an ornamental bracket: a wall sconce
a flaming torch or candle secured in a sconce: the sconces burning in the passage provided some light

Origin:

late Middle English (originally denoting a portable lantern with a screen to protect the flame): shortening of Old French esconse 'lantern', or from medieval Latin sconsa, from Latin absconsa (laterna) 'dark (lantern)' (i.e. a lantern with a device for concealing the light), from abscondere 'to hide'